Of the remaining veteran pass rushers left in the free agency market, Osi Umenyiora created the most interest around the NFL, being a bit more capable and younger than the rest of the competition. Unless something unexpected happens, he’s going to end up with the Atlanta Falcons for the 2013 season.

Too many contract disputes and a reduced role meant that Umenyiora was going to be a player on the New York Giants anymore after playing for them 10 season, recording 75 sacks and 379 tackles on 129 games, earning him two trips to the Pro Bowl, one first team all-pro selection in 2005 and a second team all-pro in 2010. Not to mention, winning two Super Bowls with the Giants in wins over the Patriots, twice.

It always looked like Atlanta had the edge over everyone else, also feeling they are a bit in more of an urgency to close the deal because of John Abraham being released and in a need to fill the hole at defensive end. Umenyiora having a house in Atlanta helped close the deal, which should be around $5 million, making it a bit above market value for Umenyiora’s position and age.

In any case, a contract is ready and pretty much signed, and all that needs to do is punch in the paper work once the weekend is over, giving the Falcons the best pass-rusher they probably could have gotten their hands on at this stage of free agency, hoping that past problems of injuries don’t raise their ugly heads, while Umenyiora remains happy with both his contract, his role and playing time altogether.

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